£95m for green aid

More than £90 million is to be used to fund green business support services, it was announced today.

The money comes from the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Business Resource Efficiency and Waste programme, which recycles revenue generated through increases in Landfill Tax.

The package, unveiled by minister for Local Environmental Quality Ben Bradshaw, is the second year’s worth of funding under the programme.

An extra £95 million will be invested in organisations that can help businesses cut waste, move rubbish from landfill and improve their efficiency.

The money will pay for a range of free services and targeted support for all businesses – from large quoted companies to smaller enterprises.

Mr Bradshaw said: “Waste is about more than recycling – it links into the big issues about how much this country is producing and consuming.

“Although we all want to continue to enjoy the benefits of a modern society, the impacts of our everyday consumption patterns on the environment remain severe. The inefficient use of resources can also affect business competitiveness including small businesses.

“Many businesses simply do not realise that they can expect to save about five per cent of their turnover by cutting waste, often with little or no investment.”